There are two important things to remember about gifts: 1. They are most loved when they are things that people think are too extravagant to purchase for themselves. 2. They always look more expensive when nicely wrapped. So this holiday season, when you’re stumped about what to give someone at work who you’ve said less than 5 words to or are conned into attending your boyfriend’s-sister’s-friend’s holiday dinner party, keep in mind these fabulous gift options. Each one is easy to locate, available in every price range, and somehow, looks incredibly thoughtful when gifted.

Fact: everyone eats food. So, try and find gourmet options to bring to the table (literally). Look for authentic olive oils, imported balsamic vinegar, and top-shelf honeys. And don’t be afraid to fill a basket with an assortment of teas, coffee, and possibly a mug. It’s cute, simple, and a great gift.

Coffee Table Books

Oversized books are great gifts because they make any subject intriguing. So while you may not know your recipient well – if at all – it’ll seem like you do. Check out this list to get a few good ideas of which page turners to schlep to the gathering.

We understand that people like different things. After all, that’s why there’s such a variety of cuisines in the world (for which we are grateful). But there’s a plethora of recipes that, for one reason or another, appall the masses – many of them for Thanksgiving turkeys. So this November, give your guests something to be extra thankful for by not serving any of these birds.

During times of loss, it’s often really hard to figure out what’s appropriate as a gift – especially when someone’s just lost a spouse. You don’t want to evoke painful memories with something overly sentimental, but at the same time, you do want to gift something meaningful. While it is tricky to decide what’s right, there certainly are gifts that are perfect for the occasion. Here are some tasteful ideas to get you started:

Plants

People often send flowers to express their sympathies. But while flowers are indeed beautiful, they also die. The whole point of a sympathy gift is to make them feel better – not to remind them of death. This is why an actual plant is a better option than flowers. The most popular plant for such occasions is the Peace Lily, but others like yellow rose plants, gardenias, and Calla Lilies are also great choices too.

Gift Baskets

This isn’t just us being biased. You know how when you’re sick you really don’t want to exert the effort to cook anything more complicated than canned soup? Multiply that by a million and you’ll be close to understanding what the widow or widower is dealing with. This is why gift baskets are great. They offer good food without the hassle of going to the grocery store. The best baskets are those that include quick meals, snacks they can eat right away, or items that last a fair amount of time – like muffins or nuts.

What’s scares us more than ghouls, goblins, and ghosts? Awful Halloween costumes. I mean, sure, we all are pressed for time, but it’s possible to still whip up something great for trick-or-treating. So, spare your kids the black trash bag witch ensemble and enjoy your white sheets without the custom eye holes – a completely clever and oh-so-original costume can be ready in a snap.

Up, Up, and Away!

Shazam! So they seek to transform into a defender of goodness who can turn fire into water, have superhuman strength, and fly around the globe at lightning speed? Perfect – because you can whip up a superhero costume that easily tops Batman’s. Colorful leggings are perfect for out-of-this-world bottoms. Just add a long-sleeved t-shirt, shiny fabric for a quick cape, and felt for belts and headpieces and you’ve got yourself a topnotch hero.

Magical Missies

What little lady doesn’t dream of being a mermaid or a fairy or a ballerina? And luckily for you, it’s easy to make their dream come true with barely any sewing (phew). Take a leotard of whatever color you desire (pink for ballerina, purple for mermaid, green for fairy, or whatever) for your base. The skirt couldn’t be any simpler. Take a piece of wide elastic that’s 8-10% shorter than the measurement needed (so it stays put) and sew it into a belt. Purchase a few different colors of tulle. For example, if she’s opting for life under the sea, try to pick up not just green tulle, but light blue, aqua, etc, to make her costume more interesting. Cut the fabric into 6-inch thick strips and use a lark’s knot to secure the pieces around the elastic. For the mermaid, make the strips very long so that they reach the floor and give her fins by tying a piece of tulle around the bottom of the skirt by her ankles. Ballerinas and fairies don’t need long skirts, so make theirs short and cute – like a tutu. And don’t forget to add some flowers, seashells, and ribbons to her skirt and hair.